One of the very best things in my life was the time I spent going into a Nashville prison as a volunteer on a weekly basis for about 23 years. I thought the experience was going to be about changing the guys on the inside. But, of course, it ended up changing me.
I had responsibility for coordinating religious ministries with inmates of all faith groups. I also was coordinator of volunteer services therefore I had weekly contact with Marcis and those who served with him leading a Friday morning group.
Some volunteers with self serving purposes, not so with Marcus and his friends. A big factor is faithfulness. Inmates have been lied to and had promises made that were not fulfilled.
Marcus was there and transparenr - he was real.
There were times institutional rules, lockdowns, and other things interfered but Marcus respected me and my guidance.
I too am a “Pilgrim Man” seeking to “Live Hope” during a challenging time in my life.
Wonderful post Mark! I have always wanted to do prison work and you have spurred me on to make it happen! They do need so much love. It breaks my heart that we even have prisons for people who all probably had very traumatic childhoods and were never loved by anyone.
That was quite a story, Marcus!! I enjoyed the note about Anthony H. You’ve been such a blessing to those inmates!!
A chaplain’s perspective
I had responsibility for coordinating religious ministries with inmates of all faith groups. I also was coordinator of volunteer services therefore I had weekly contact with Marcis and those who served with him leading a Friday morning group.
Some volunteers with self serving purposes, not so with Marcus and his friends. A big factor is faithfulness. Inmates have been lied to and had promises made that were not fulfilled.
Marcus was there and transparenr - he was real.
There were times institutional rules, lockdowns, and other things interfered but Marcus respected me and my guidance.
I too am a “Pilgrim Man” seeking to “Live Hope” during a challenging time in my life.
Wonderful post Mark! I have always wanted to do prison work and you have spurred me on to make it happen! They do need so much love. It breaks my heart that we even have prisons for people who all probably had very traumatic childhoods and were never loved by anyone.